Information
Dates: Now open all year!
Tel: 0845 293 73 73
Prices:
Adult: £12.90
Junior (under 18): £9.75
Under 3’s: £3.50
Family (4 beds): £31.50
Exclusive use 2 pers: £35.80
Exclusive use 3 pers: £43.15
Exclusive use 4 pers: £49.45
Local Attractions
Kitchener Memorial
A monument to Lord
Kitchener, Minister for War during World War 1. He was on a mission
to Russia in June 1916 when his ship, the HMS Hampshire was sunk
with the loss of more than 650 men
Kirbister Farm Museum
Early 19th Century
farmhouse with traditional central hearth and stone bed
The Earl’s Palace
Overlooking Birsay Bay
is the remains of the residence of Robert Stewart, Earl of Orkney,
constructed in the late 16th-century, consisting of four wings
around a central courtyard. The palace lasted barely a
century before being abandoned, today the ruins retain much of
their grandeur. Ran by Historic Scotland
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Skara Brae
One of the best-preserved group of
prehistoric houses in Western Europe. Ran by Historic
Scotland
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Skaill House
Adjacent Skara Brae and the
former home of the 7th Laird of Brekness, William Graham Watt who
discovered Skara Brae
Maeshowe
the winter sun. Ran by Historic
Scotland
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Ring of Brodgar
A vast circle between the
Harray and Stenness Lochs, 27 stones remain standing of which
visitors can still wander amongst. Ran by Historic Scotland
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Stenness Standing Stones
Visitors can
wander amongst the stone circle. Ran by Historic Scotland
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Eating and Drinking
Birsay Bay Tearoom
The Palace,
Birsay
11am-5:30pm Wed-Sun (Apr, May, Sep, Oct)
11am-5.30pm every day (Jun, Jul, Aug)
Tel: 01856 721399
Teas and Tabnabs
Van in the car park at
the Brough of Birsay
11am 7 days a week.
Barony Hotel
Birsay
Tel: 01856 721327
Merkister Hotel
Harray
Tel: 01856 771515
Walkers
Birsay Outdoor Centre is in close proximity to a spectacular and
varied coastline, including dramatic cliffs and quiet
beaches. Nearby are the sheer cliffs of Marwick Head, which
is the RSPB third largest sea bird colony in Orkney.
The Brough of Birsay is a tidal island, accessible by foot at
low tide (strong footwear is recommended). There is a small
visitors centre on the island, operated by Historic Scotland which
contains some important early sculptures and Viking artefacts
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Disclaimer: All
walking routes are hosted on external sites, therefore SYHA can
hold no responsibility towards their accuracy. SYHA would also like
to acknowledge the British
Mountaineering Council Participation Statement: "The BMC
recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a
danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these
activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be
responsible for their own actions".
Active & Adventure
Cycling
A great way to explore Orkney,
Orkney mainland is primarily gentle rolling countryside with
relatively quiet roads.
Diving
Well established in Orkney as we
benefit from clean rich waters. There are several companies
operating in Orkney for the complete beginner a “Try Dive” half day
package is available, as well as lots of numerous dive sites in
Scapa Flow.
Fishing
Orkney's Brown Trout fishing is
some of the finest in Britain, in lochs which are easy to access,
and offer varied conditions. The Centre is well located for access
to all the major Lochs on Orkney mainland. Sea trout may be caught
in the shallow sea bays on the east of the Orkney coastline around
Mainland, Hoy and Scapa Flow
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Sea Kayaking
Popular in the sheltered
shorelines around Scapa Flow or within the many deep bays and
inlets which have access to the shore
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Climbing
Many routes consist of coastal
sandstone rock and cliff routes, and majestic sea stacks
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Wildlife
RSPB Reserve, Marwick Head
The third
largest sea bird colony in Orkney. In spring and summer the red
sandstone cliffs of Marwick Head are alive with nesting seabirds.
Here you can spot puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and
fulmars. Arctic and Great Skuas (locally known as Bonxies) abound
throughout the summer. The cliff top has spectacular displays of
sea campion, thrift, and spring squill
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Website
Families
Birsay Outdoor Centre offers comfortable three
star accommodation suitable for families. The centre sits in its
own grounds which are bounded by stone walls. The centre has been
recently refurbished and offers comfortable accommodation, with all
new furniture, beds and appliances. Exclusive room hire is
available; the hostel welcomes singles, groups and
families.
Groups
Birsay Outdoor Centre offers comfortable three
star accommodation suitable for group bookings. There is a
ample free car parking.
The centre has been recently refurbished and
offers comfortable accommodation, with all new furniture, beds and
appliances. Exclusive room hire is available; the hostel
welcomes singles, groups and families.
There is a well equipped kitchen, dining area
and small lounge, drying room and disabled access.